If you fly domestically you’re going to want to pay attention to this story- I had no idea at all. As most of you may know, people who don’t travel internationally don’t need a passport, at least they didn’t use to, but that may soon be changing.
“The Real ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.” 1
What does that mean for you? Well, some states now require a passport to fly within our borders. If you aren’t sure about your state, check out the map here. Currently, any state that is non-compliant with The Real ID Act is now under a grace period until January 22, 2018.2 (They are also under review.)
Here’s the deal- check your local state on the map to see or call your local Post Office because they should have passport information. Or, just get your passport. In fact, the sooner the better. As laws continue to ebb and flow you don’t want to be caught off guard and have to scramble paying high fees for overnight paperwork or waiting in long lines at your nearest passport office (which might not be close for everyone).
